What happens if a person passes away without a WILL?

• If you pass away with a spouse, issue (also known as descendants), and parents, the issue will receive half of your inheritance, with the remaining half being divided evenly between your spouse and parents.

• If you pass away without parents, but with a spouse and issue, your spouse will receive one-third of your inheritance and your issue two-thirds.

• If you leave no issue, but a spouse and parents, your inheritance will be divided half-half.

• If you leave no spouse, but parents and issue, your issue will receive two-thirds and your parents one-third.

• If you leave only a spouse, or only issue, or only parents, they will receive the whole inheritance.

• If you pass away without a spouse, parents, or issue, your inheritance will go to siblings, grandparents, or uncles and aunts in equal shares. If you leave no one behind, your entire inheritance will go to the government.

Writing a WILL is essential in Malaysia if you want your final desires for your family and property to be carried through.

Note: definition of “issue”, a person’s children or other lineal descendants such as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It does not mean all heirs, but only the direct bloodline.

Disclaimer: This guide only applies to non-Muslims, inheritance for Muslims is governed under Shariah law.